BATON ROUGE (June 23, 2010) - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham announced the following opening to recreational and commercial fishing in a portion of Bayou Lafourche and a portion of inside waters east of Bayou Lafourche in Lafourche Parish effective immediately, today June 23.

Fishing Opening
The portion of state inside waters north of 29 degrees 09 minutes 29 seconds north latitude from the eastern shore of Bayou Lafourche to the Fourchon Road (LA Hwy 3090) and north of LA Hwy 1 from 90 degrees 07 minutes 00 seconds west longitude westward to the eastern shore of Bayou Lafourche and the portion of Bayou Lafourche itself north of the LA Hwy 1 bridge in Leeville.

Precautionary closures of recreational and commercial fishing have been implemented based on the best information the Secretary of the department receives from field biologists, staff and trajectory models from NOAA.

Once reports of oil are received, LDWF initiates a field survey and immediate seafood testing in the suspected areas. Closures are subsequently made with the intent to be as safe as possible, while not closing any fishing areas unnecessarily. As test results come back clearing the area, effected waters are then reopened.

LDWF continues to work closely with DHH in an effort to assess all opportunities to resume normal fishing activities on Louisiana's coast and guarantee the safety of Louisiana's seafood.